1
: the fragmental material composing part of the surface of the globe
especially
: cultivable soil
crops growing in good earth
3
a
: areas of land as distinguished from sea and air
b
: the solid footing formed of soil : ground
felt the earth under their feet again
4
often Earth
: the planet on which we live that is third in order from the sun
The earth is speeding around the sun at thousands of kilometers per hour …—C. Donald Ahrens
… the new planetary system consists of two planets that are about three times larger than Earth …—Tim Friend
see Planets Table
5
a
: the people of the planet Earth
b
: the mortal human body
c
: the pursuits, interests, and pleasures of earthly life as distinguished from spiritual concerns
6
: the lair of a burrowing animal
7
: an excessive amount of money
—used with the
… real suede, which costs the earth to clean.—Joanne Winship
see also:
earthed; earthing; earths
1
: to drive to hiding in the earth
2
: to draw soil about (plants)
—often used with up
3
chiefly British
: ground sense 4
of a hunted animal
: to hide in the ground
Cite this Entry
“Earth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earth. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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